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UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11

This mock test of UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11 for UPSC helps you for every UPSC entrance exam.
This contains 100 Multiple Choice Questions for UPSC UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11 (mcq) to study with solutions a complete question bank.
The solved questions answers in this UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11 quiz give you a good mix of easy questions and tough questions. UPSC
students definitely take this UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11 exercise for a better result in the exam. You can find other UPSC Paper 1 Mock Test - 11 extra questions,
long questions & short questions for UPSC on EduRev as well by searching above.

QUESTION: 1

Consider the following statements about clouds.

1. In the tropical cyclones cirrocumulus clouds are generated.
2. The most important clouds for causing rainfall are nimbus clouds.
3. Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes of about 8 km & above & are thus the highest.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

1 and 3 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

In the tropical cyclones cumulonimbus clouds with great vertical extent are generated. Nimbus clouds are thick mass of water vapour & rain carrying clouds generally occur as nimbus or in combination of nimbus like cumulonimbus or stratonimbus etc. Cirrus are the highest clouds formed between the altitude of 8 km to 12 km.
Hence, only statement 1 is incorrect.

QUESTION: 2

South Africa lies in the warm temperate zone still it has a moderate climate. Why?

1. It is surrounded by the mountain.
2. South Africa lies on the high plateau.
3. It is cooled by the cold ocean current along the west coast.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

3 only

D.

1, 2, and 3

Solution:

South Africa lies in the warm temperate zone. But it has a moderate climate due to several reasons. It is surrounded on three sides by oceans. The great height of plateau, on which it lies, is another reason for its cool climate. It is further cooled by the cold ocean current along the west coast.

QUESTION: 3

Consider the following about ‘Stars’

1. They are made of Hydrogen, Helium and dust clouds.
2. They are formed by the process of nuclear fission reaction at extremely high temperatures.
3. White colour stars have the highest surface temperature as compared to Red and Blue coloured stars.

Which of the following statement is incorrect :

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Stars are formed by the process of Nuclear fusion reaction of hydrogen (four small hydrogen nuclei fuse to produce a bigger helium nucleus and tremendous amount of energy).
Order of surface temperature : Red Stars < White Stars < Blue Stars

1. Sedimentary rocks are crystalline in structure whereas igneous rocks are non-crystalline in nature.
2. Sedimentary rocks often contain fossils whereas igneous rocks do not contain fossils.
3. Sedimentary rocks are classified according to their age and igneous rocks are sub-divided on the basis of
mineral composition.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1 and 3

B.

Only 2

C.

2 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Igneous rocks are crystalline in structure whereas Sedimentary rocks are non-crystalline in nature.

QUESTION: 6

Consider the following statements about the layers of atmosphere :

1. Stratosphere has higher temperature than Tropopause because it has lesser number of gases; hence
scattering of the incoming solar radiation is less.
2. The temperature of Tropopause above the equator is less than the temperature of Tropopause above the
poles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 & 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Stratosphere has higher temperature but the reason is the presence of ozone gas which absorbs the ultraviolet part of incoming solar radiation, raising the temperature. In fact more is the amount of gases in the atmosphere, greater is its heating. It is the reason that near the surface of earth, where the density of atmosphere is maximum the temperature is highest.
Because tropopause is at the height of about 18 km & 8 km at equator & poles respectively, the tropopause temperature above equator is of about - 80 degree centigrade& above poles is - 45 degree centigrade.
Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

QUESTION: 7

The active causes of mass movements are :

1. Removal of materials from the original slope surface.
2. Overloading of material through rainfall.
3. Decrease in slope gradient.
4. Increase in slope gradient.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1, 2 and 4

B.

1, 2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

2 and 4

Solution:

QUESTION: 8

Consider the following statements regarding the Coral reefs:

1. Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals.
2. Coral reefs are generally absent on the western coasts of continents.
3. Corals survive best in the moving ocean water well away from the silty coasts or muddy mouths of streams.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The reef-building corals survive best under the following conditions:
1. The water temperature must not fall below 68°F. (20°C). This virtually limits the areal distribution of corals to the tropical, and sub-tropical zones. Again they will not flourish where there are cold currents because of the upwelling of the cold water from the depths that cools the warm surface water. This explains why coral reefs are generally absent on the western coasts of the warm currents, e.g. the Gulf Stream, means that corals are found far to the north of the West Indies in the Atlantic Ocean. The Pacific and the Indian Oceans, however, have the most numerous coral reefs.
2. The depth of the water should not exceed 30 fathoms or 180 feet, because beyond this depth sunlight is too faint for photosynthesis to take place. This is essential for the survival of the microscopic algae, on which the coral polyps depend. Shallow water of less than 100 feet is ideal. But there should always be plenty of water as polyps cannot survive for too long out of water.
3. The water should be saltish and free from sediment. Corals therefore survive best in the moving ocean water well away from the silty coasts or muddy mouths of streams. The corals are best developed on the seaward side of the reef, where constantly moving waves, tides and currents maintain an abundant supply of clear, oxygenated water. They also bring an adequate supply of food in the form of microscopic organisms.

QUESTION: 9

Consider the following statements with respect to Volcanic eruptions in the world :

1. The Ring of Fire is located in Pacific Ocean and is a result of movement of lithospheric plates.
2. Barren Island is located in Andaman islands and is the only active volcano in South Asia.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

none

Solution:

The Ring of Fire is an area where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur in the basin of the Pacific Ocean. The Ring of Fire is a direct result of plate tectonics and the movement and collisions of lithospheric plates. So option 1 is correct.
Barren Island is located in the Andaman Sea, one of the most easterly of the Andaman Islands. It is the only confirmed active volcanoin South Asia. So option 2 is correct.

QUESTION: 10

What restricts the Tropical Evergreen Forests?

A.

Temperature

B.

Rainfall

C.

Air Pressure

D.

Air current

Solution:

Temperature and Humidity also plays a large role but RAINFALL is the MAIN factor
Tropical evergreen forests: This type of vegetation is found in areas where rainfall is above 250 cms and temperature ranges between 25°C and 27°C. Since the trees are always green they are called evergreen forests. The heavy rainfall, high temperature and humidity are responsible for the growth of these dense forests. The trees grow about 60 mts. high. The branches of trees form a canopy and prevent the sun's rays from reaching the ground. In India, most of these forests are found on the western side of the Western Ghats,in the North-Eastern hills and the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The semi evergreen forests are found in the lower rainfall areas of the Western Ghats, Orissa and West Bengal. Ebony, mahogany, rose-wood and rubber are the important trees. Bamboo bushes are also found.

QUESTION: 11

Consider the following statements with respect to temperate grasslands :

1. Temperate grasslands are far more extensive In southern hemisphere than northern hemisphere.
2. Temperate grasslands in Australia are known as Downs.
3. Climate of temperate grasslands in northern hemisphere is characterized by extremes of temperature.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1 and 3

B.

2 and 3

C.

2 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

In Eurasia temperate grasslands which are known as steppe are quite extensive. These stretch eastward from the shores of Black sea across great Russian plain to the foothills of Altai mountain. In north America also Prairies are quite extensive in comparison to Pampas and Downs. So option 1 is correct.
Temperate grasslands in Australia are known as Downs. So option 2 is correct.
Due to continentality climate in temperate grasslands has extremely hot summer and very cold winters. But in southern hemisphere due to effect of sea climate is not so extreme. So option 3 is correct.

QUESTION: 12

When it is 4 pm, Sunday at Greenwich, what is the time and day at a place, 142 ½° E latitude?

A.

9:30 PM, Sunday

B.

12 AM, Monday

C.

6:30 AM, Sunday

D.

1:30 AM, Monday

Solution:

The earth rotates 360° in about 24 hours, which means 15° an hour or 1° in four minutes. Thus, when it is 12 noon at Greenwich, the time at 15° east of Greenwich will be 15 x 4 = 60 minutes, i.e., 1 hour ahead of Greenwich time, which means 1 p.m. Similarly the time gap between Greenwich and 142 ½° latitude is 9 hours and 30 minutes. When it is 4 pm at Greenwich, the time at 142 ½° latitude will be 1:30 am next day i.e Monday.

QUESTION: 13

Consider the following statements regarding Indian Monsoon :

1. Arabian Sea branch striking the western coast, north of Mumbai, causes rainfall over Chota Nagpur plateau
also.
2. Intensity of rainfall over the western coast of India is dependent upon position of Equatorial jet stream along
eastern coast of Africa.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Chota Nagpur region gets rainfall due to Arabian Sea branch as well. The winds flow through the rift valley between Vindhyas & Satpura & cause rainfall over the plateau.
Position of Equatorial jet stream along eastern coast of Africa is one of the many factors that impact the distribution & intensity of Monsoon in India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

QUESTION: 14

Hess proposed the hypothesis of “sea floor spreading”. Which of the following statements is/are true about this :

1. The constant eruptions at the crest of oceanic ridges cause the rupture of the oceanic crust and the new lava wedges into it.
2. The ocean floor that gets pushed due to volcanic eruptions at the crest, sinks down at the oceanic trenches
and gets consumed.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

1 and 2

D.

None of these

Solution:

Hess argued that constant eruptions at the crest of oceanic ridges cause the rupture of the oceanic crust and the new lava wedges into it, pushing the oceanic crust on either side. The ocean floor, thus spreads.
The younger age of the oceanic crust as well as the fact that the spreading of one ocean does not cause the shrinking of the other, made Hess think about the consumption of the oceanic crust. He further maintained that the ocean floor that gets pushed due to volcanic eruptions at the crest, sinks down at the oceanic trenches and gets consumed.

QUESTION: 15

Which statement/s among the following is/are correct about Continental Plateaus?

1. They rise abruptly from the lowlands or the sea.
2. They are also called the plateaus of denudation.
3. They are partly or fully enclosed by mountains.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

1 and 2

C.

2 and 3

D.

3 only

Solution:

Continental Plateaus rise abruptly from the lowlands or the sea. Piedmont Plateaus are called plateaus of denudation as areas which were high formerly have now been reduced by erosion. Third statement applies for Intermontane plateaus.

QUESTION: 16

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect about volcanoes?

1. Dormant volcanoes have not erupted at all in historic times.
2. The Himalayas have no active volcano.
3. The greatest concentration of volcanoes is found in Circum-pacific region.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 Only

B.

2 Only

C.

1 and 2

D.

None

Solution:

Those that have been known to errupt and show signs of possible erruption in future are dormant volcanoes. Other statements are correct.

QUESTION: 17

Which of the following group of gases is a major constitute of the earth’s atmosphere?

A.

Oxygen, Nitrogen and Argon

B.

Nitrogen, Oxygen and Carbon dioxide

C.

Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, and Hydrogen

D.

Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide and methane

Solution:

Table showing permanent gases of the earth’s atmosphere

QUESTION: 18

Consider the following statements:

1. The entire part of South America lies within the tropical zone.
2. Campos and Llanos are temperate grasslands which are found in South America.
3. Both the latitudes Equator and Tropic of Capricorn pass through Brazil.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

3 only

C.

1 and 2 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The greater part (NOT the entire part) of South America lies within the tropical zone.
Campos and Llanos are tropical grasslands found in South America.

QUESTION: 19

The property of a Black hole includes :

1. Forms from a very massive white dwarf star.
2. Have extremely strong gravitational field.
3. They are invisible.
4. They cannot be detected by any means.

Select the correct answer using code given below.

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1, 2 and 3

D.

1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution:

Black Hole is formed from a very massive neutron star.
The presence of a black hole can be felt by the effect of its gravitational field on its neighbouring objects in the sky. e.g. – if a star moves in a circle without any visible star in the centre we can conclude there’s a black hole in the centre.

QUESTION: 20

Which of the following factors are responsible for seasons?

1. Revolution
2. Rotation
3. Tilt
4. Axial parallelism
5. Sphericity

Choose from the codes given below :

A.

1, 3 and 5 only

B.

2, 3 and 4 only

C.

1, 3, 4 and 5 only

D.

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Solution:

Earth’s distinct seasons are produced by interactions of revolution (annual orbit about the Sun) and rotation (Earth’s turning on its axis).
As Earth rotates, the boundary that divides daylight and darkness is the circle of illumination.
Other reasons for seasons include axial tilt (at about 23.5° from a perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic), axial parallelism (the parallel alignment of the axis throughout the year), and sphericity (appears as an spheroid to the Sun’s parallel rays; the geoid).

QUESTION: 21

Alluvial fans are formed when streams flowing from higher levels break into foot slope plains of low gradients.
Which one of the following could be the reason?

A.

Load content of the stream reaches above saturation point.

B.

Load that is being carried by stream over the mountain slopes becomes too heavy to carry over gentlergradients.

C.

Due to natural vegetation at mountain foot.

D.

None of the above

Solution:

Gentle slope which start at the mountain foot reduces the speed of running water and heavy load of sediments could not be carried further.

QUESTION: 22

Which among the following is/are characteristics of a river in the Middle course?

1. River capture
2. Meanders
3. River Oxbow lakes

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 only

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

2 only

Solution:

River capture is back-cutting (head ward erosion) which happens in the Upper course. Oxbow lakes are formed in the Lower course. It applies for the Middle course.

QUESTION: 23

Consider the following statements about lightening in the sky.

1. It happens as positive and negative charges meet to produce spark.
2. If you are in an open ground then it is better to lie down on the floor to prevent from lightening.
3. Lightening conductor is a small metallic rod on the top of our buildings which provides an easy route for the
transfer of electric charge to the ground.

Which of the following statements is/are true?

A.

2 and 3 only

B.

1 only

C.

2 only

D.

1 and 3 only

Solution:

If you are in an open ground then it is better to sit on the floor as it will reduce your area and can prevent you from lightening. Lightening conductor is a rod longer than the house and some part of it is above the roof.

As per Indian Meteorological Department's classification of droughts, which of the following are correctly
matched?

1. Hydrological drought – deficiency of rainfall at a specified area level
2. Meteorological drought – four consecutive weeks of deficiency of half or more than half of normal rainfall
3. Agricultural drought – manifestation of critically low ground water table or reduced river and stream flow

A.

1, 2, 3

B.

1, 2

C.

3 only

D.

None of the above

Solution:

QUESTION: 26

Consider the following statements regarding Savanna type of climate :

1. The soil found in these regions is laterite.
2. These regions are characterized by seasonal water logging.
3. In this region a local wind called ‘the doctor’ is found.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1, and 2 only

B.

1, and 3 only

C.

3 only

D.

1, 2, and 3

Solution:

All statements are correct.

QUESTION: 27

Consider the following statements :

1. Down to a depth of 16 Km from the surface of earth, 95% of the earth materials found in the earth’s crust
consist of rocks.
2. Geographers are interested in rocks because earth’s geologic history is written in them.
3. Geographers are interested in rocks because climatic history of earth is written on them.
4. Petroleum, water, natural gas etc, are also found in rocks.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A.

1, 2, 3, 4

B.

2, 3, 4

C.

1, 3, 4

D.

1, 2, 3

Solution:

The climate history preserved within layers of sediments that slowly accumulate on the bottoms of lakes and oceans can span hundreds of millions of years or longer. The resolution of these records is variable; it may be annual or on the order of a century or millennium. Sequences of sediments that are currently at the bottom of lakes or on the ocean floor are used to interpret climates of the recent past
Rocks preserved on the continents that are thousands, millions, hundreds of millions, or even billions of years old are used to interpret the much more distant past.

QUESTION: 28

Consider the following statements :

1. Steppe are tropical grasslands similar to prairies of North america.
2. Prairie is dominated by tall grasses while short grasses are normal in the steppe.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

Only 1

B.

Only 2

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Both Steppe and Prairies are temperate grasslands.

QUESTION: 29

Which of the following is NOT true about a mineral?

A.

It is a naturally occurring organic and inorganic substance.

B.

It has an orderly atomic structure.

C.

It has a definite chemical composition and physical properties.

D.

It is composed of at least two elements.

Solution:

Single element minerals like sulphur, copper, silver are also found.

QUESTION: 30

Which of the statement given below is correct?

A.

We do not observe strong vertical currents of air because the vertical pressure gradient is very small when compared to the horizontal.

B.

The atmosphere near the surface of earth gets heated due to convection while at some height it gets heated due to radiation.

C.

If the velocity of wind is greater, then due to Coriolis force the deflection of wind is greater.

D.

Isobars are more continuous in the Northern Hemisphere because of presence of greater landmass.

Solution:

Vertical pressure gradient is much larger than horizontal pressure gradient, but strong verticals current are not observed because the pressure gradient force is balanced by the downward gravitational force.
Near the surface air is heated due to conduction, while at some height the air is heated due to convection of air where cold air from top moves down and gets heated by coming in contact with earth & then moves up & the cycle continues.
Because of presence of the continuous oceans in the southern hemisphere it has more continuous isobars, while in north the continuity is broken due to alternate presence of land & water

QUESTION: 31

The climate of Antarctica is freezing cold because of which of the following?

1. Its distance from the equator.
2. The great height of the plateau.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

Only 1

B.

Only 2

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

QUESTION: 32

Consider the following statements with respect to rivers of Africa :

1. River Nile which is longest river of Africa originates from lake victoria.
2. Zaire river flows through Southern part of Africa.
3. Except Nile and Zaire only few African rivers can be used for shipping because rivers drop from higher
plateaus to coastal lowlands making waterfalls.

Which of these statement is/are correct?

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Lack Victoria is the largest lake of Africa which is also a source of river Nile. It is the longest river of world. So option 1 is correct.
Zaire river which is also known as Congo river flows through central Africa and discharges water into Atlantic Ocean. So option 2 is incorrect.
Africa consists of many plateaus and rivers drop from the higher plateaus to the coastal lowlands making water falls not suitable for navigation. So option 3 is correct.

QUESTION: 33

Consider the following statements regarding vertical distribution of temperature in ocean water :

(i) The temperature falls very rapidly up to the depth of 200m and thereafter the rate of decrease of
temperature is slowed down.
(ii) The rate of decrease of temperature with increasing depth is more rapid near the equator than towards the
poles.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

i only

B.

ii only

C.

i and ii

D.

None

Solution:

Heat is transmitted to the lower sections of the oceans through the mechanism of conduction from the surface of ocean water. Also, the second statement can be explained by the fact that though the surface temperature of the seas decreases from equator towards the poles, but the temperature at the ocean bottoms is uniform from the equator towards the pole.

QUESTION: 34

Consider the following statements regarding the violent arctic storms:

1. They are vital to thermo-haline circulations in the ocean, which underpins ocean currents and weather
systems.
2. They are formed when freezing air flows out of the arctic region and over the warmer Atlantic Ocean.
3. Owing to global warming there are expected to be more of such storms in the coming decades.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1, 2

B.

2, 3

C.

1, 3

D.

1, 2, 3

Solution:

Because of ice melt there would be fewer of these storms.
POLAR storms are among the most vicious weather systems on the planet.
These mini-hurricanes occur in the Arctic winter, when freezing air flows out of the region and over the warmer Atlantic Ocean. As the Arctic warms in the coming decades, there are expected to be fewer of them.
But without the storms, the rest of the world could face weather disruption. They are vital to the global thermohaline circulation in the ocean, which underpins ocean currents and weather systems

QUESTION: 35

Consider the following statements :

1. North Pole of geo magnetism is in Antarctica while South Pole is in Canadian arctic region.
2. Liquid state of outer core is the main reason for geo magnetism.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

A.

Only 1

B.

both

C.

only 2

D.

None

Solution:

Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is the magnetic field that extends from the Earth's interior to where it meets the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emanating from the Sun. Its magnitude at the Earth's surface ranges from 25 to 65 microtesla (0.25 to 0.65 gauss). Roughly speaking it is the field of a magnetic dipole currently tilted at an angle of about 10 degrees with respect to Earth's rotational axis, as if there were a bar magnet placed at that angle at the center of the Earth. Unlike a bar magnet, however, Earth's magnetic field changes over time because it is generated by ageodynamo (in Earth's case, the motion of molten iron alloys in its outer core).

QUESTION: 36

Which one of the following statements is incorrect?

A.

S wave cannot be sent through a liquid medium.

B.

The mantle consists of solid rock.

C.

S wave terminates at the mantle core boundary.

D.

The earth’s core has a radius of 1500 km.

Solution:

The earth’s core has a radius of 3470 km, a little more than half the earth’s total radius.

QUESTION: 37

Assertion: Venus is often referred as the ' Earth's Twin'.

Reason: Venus is considered to be the next planet after earth to have the possibility of some plant life.

Choose the correct option.

A.

Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

B.

Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.

C.

A is correct but R is false.

D.

A is false but R is correct.

Solution:

QUESTION: 38

Consider the following different stages of a star.

1. Red giant

2. Stellar Nebula

3. Neutron star

4. Supernova

Which of the following is the correct order of above different stages?

Chose the correct sequence of vegetation, given below, in Europe when we move from higher latitude to lower
latitude –

1. Taiga type
2. Tundra type
3. Mixed forests
4. Mediterranean type

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1, 2, 3, 4

B.

2, 1, 3 , 4

C.

1, 2, 4, 3

D.

2, 1, 4, 3

Solution:

Tundra is extreme northern part of with very cold climate having snow for major part of the year.
Taiga lies in south of the Tundra, winter are long and sever and annual rainfall around 50 cm.
Mixed forest belt lies in south of the Taiga in central and western part of the Europe.
Mediterranean type vegetation confines to southern Europe along the Mediterranean sea coast.
These are the name given to the type of Vegetation in these areas according to their climate type.

QUESTION: 40

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The orbit of the earth makes an angle of 66 ½° with the plane perpendicular to the Orbit.
2. The earth is moving in a counter-clockwise direction, that is, from west to east, around the Sun.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

The orbit of the earth makes an angle of 66 ½° with the plane parallel to the Orbit. i.e. orbital plane. The duration of Solar day is more than the Siderial day. The earth completes one rotation in 24 hours. This is called a Solar Day. The duration between the passage of a particular star over a meridian twice is called Sidereal day. It lasts 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds. The third statement is correct

QUESTION: 41

Consider the following statements comparing cyclone & anticyclone :

1. When a cyclone approaches there is a rise in the barometric reading, while an anticyclone causes barometric reading to fall.
2. The isobars are closer in a cyclone when compared to that in an anticyclone.
3. In northern hemisphere cyclonic circulation is clockwise, while anti-cyclonic circulation is clock-wise in
southern hemisphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

1 and 3 only

C.

3 only

D.

None of the above

Solution:

When a cyclone approaches there is a fall in the pressure of air, while in case of anticyclone reverse happens.
In cyclones isobars are closer causing a strong pressure gradient force generating high velocity of winds.
NH:
Cyclone: anti-clockwise
Anti-cyclone: clock-wise
SH:
Cyclone: clock-wise
Anti-cyclone: anti-clockwise
Hence, only statement 2 is correct.

QUESTION: 42

Which of the following can cause landslides?

1. Volcanic disturbances
2. Lubricating action of Rain water
3. A steep slope undercut by a river or a sea
4. Steepening the slopes in road or rail cuttings

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 4

B.

2 and 3

C.

1, 3 and 4

D.

1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution:

Landslides usually occur on steep slopes such as in mountainous areas, on cliffs or where man has artificially steepened slopes. For example, in road or rail cuttings, Landslides may be caused because a steep slope is undercut by a river or the seas so that it falls by gravity. Earthquakes or volcanic disturbances may loosen rocks and start off a landslide. Man-made steepening both undercuts the slope and sets up vibrations which may loosen rocks or soil. But often landslides are caused by the lubricating action of rainwater.

QUESTION: 43

On the International date line the date changes by exactly one day when it is crossed. Consider the following
statements :

1. Crossing the date line from east to west loses a day while crossing from west to east gains a day.
2. International Date Line in mid – pacific curves from the normal 180 degree meridian, because of the depth of
pacific ocean.
3. Indian government accepted the meridian of 82.5 degree east for standard time.
4. The whole world has been divided into 24 standard time zone.

Which statement is/are NOT correct?

A.

1 and 2

B.

only 2

C.

1, 2 and 3

D.

1 and 4

Solution:

International date time curved because to avoid any confusion of date and day in some of the island group.

QUESTION: 44

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Erosion features dominate in high rocky western coast of India while depositional features dominate in low
sedimentary eastern coast of India.
2. Wave-cut platform is a feature of rocky coasts while delta formation is a feature of sedimentary coasts.
3. Oceanic current is the dominating geomorphic agent in rocky coast as compare to wave in sedimentary
coasts.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

1 and 3 only

C.

2 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Along high rocky coasts, waves break with great force against the land shaping the hill sides into cliffs. With constant pounding by waves, the cliffs recede leaving a wave-cut platform in front of the sea cliff. While along the low sedimentary coasts, the rivers appear to extend their length by building coastal planes and deltas. Wave is the most important agent in rocky as well as sedimentary coasts.

1. They can be formed from both Comet and Asteroids
2. They are called a shooting star if they burn upon entering the earth’s atmosphere leaving dust particles
behind.
3. The number of meteorites striking the Moon are greater than those striking Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Not the meteorite but a meteor is called a shooting star burning as a bright streak of light due to resistance of air.
If the meteors is big and does not burn up completely before reaching the earth’s surface than it is called a meteorite.

Pluto was oiginally classified as the ninth planet from the sun but pluto was recategorised as a dwarf
planet. Which of the following statements is a reason behind this :

A.

It does not have its orbit around the Sun.

B.

It does not have sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium.

C.

It does not have clear neighbourhood around its orbit.

D.

It does not have enough gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape.

Solution:

It needs to be in orbit around the Sun – Yes.
It needs to have enough gravity to pull itself into a spherical shape – Yes
It needs to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit. Pluto's orbit is eccentric enough that it travels on its path within the orbit of Neptune. Quite clearly, given Neptune's robust size and mass, Neptune will eventually capture Pluto as a moon, if it does not pull Pluto into collision or throw it off somewhere else in space in a more severely eccentric orbit. What is about Pluto's moons? Well, they may or may not survive the encounter with Neptune when next they come close.

QUESTION: 49

Consider the following statements about the jet streams :

1. They are formed at least at the height of 3 to 4 km.
2. They generally flow perpendicular to the isobars.
3. Tropical jet streams blow with greater speeds than the polar jet streams.
4. Jet stream phenomenon is also observed on other planets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

1, 3 and 4 only

C.

1 and 4 only

D.

2, 3 and 4 only

Solution:

Jet streams are geostrophic winds. Hence they flow at a height of at least 3 to 4 km & the friction due to earth’s surface is absent. In geostrophic wind the coriollis force is balanced by horizontal pressure gradient force. Hence the wind flows parallel to isobar.
Polar jet streams have been found to flow at the highest speeds.
Jet streams are also found to occur on other planets where they blow due to solar heating or internal heat of the planet.
Hence, only statements 1 & 4 are correct.

QUESTION: 50

The speed at which the moon rotates about its axis is the primary factor explaining which of the following ?

1. The frequency of high and low tides
2. The timing of the phases of the moon
3. Same face towards the earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 only

C.

3 only

D.

2 and 3 only

Solution:

The observation that only one side of the moon is visible from the earth.
The moon is in captured orbit. This means that it always keeps the same face towards the earth. Therefore the moon rotates once around its axis for every orbit it makes round the earth (otherwise if it kept the same face, say, towards the sun, we would see it appear to rotate as it orbited the earth).

QUESTION: 51

The most popular argument regarding the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory. Which of the following
statements is/are true about this ?

1. Edwin Hubble, in 1920, provided evidence that the universe is expanding.
2. The distance between the galaxies is increasing.
3. The size of the galaxies is increasing.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

1 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The most popular argument regarding the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory. It is also called expanding universe hypothesis. Edwin Hubble, in 1920, provided evidence that the universe is expanding(red shift). As time passes, galaxies move further and further apart. Similarly, the distance between the galaxies is also found to be increasing and thereby, the universe is considered to be expanding.
Scientists believe that though the space between the galaxies is increasing, observations do not support the expansion of galaxies.

QUESTION: 52

Which of the following statements are incorrect :

1. The point on the surface of the earth where the first earthquake wave is experienced is called focus.
2. The earthquake waves travel faster in rarer medium when compared to denser medium.
3. P waves vibrates parallel to the direction of the wave.
4. The shadow zone of P wave is larger than the S wave.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1, 3 and 4

B.

2, 3 and 4

C.

1, 2 and 4

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The point on the surface of the earth where the first earthquake wave is experienced is called epicentre.
The earthquake waves travel faster in denser medium when compared to rarer medium.
The shadow zone of S wave is larger than the P wave.

QUESTION: 53

Most favourable source region for formation of air masses would be

A.

Subtropical hot desert

B.

Warm tropical Ocean

C.

Snow covered continent

D.

All of the above

Solution:

When the air remains over a homogeneous area for a sufficiently longer time, it acquires the characteristics of the area. The homogenous regions can be the vast ocean surface or vast plains. The air with distinctive characteristics in terms of temperature and humidity is called an airmass. It is defined as a large body of air having little horizontal variation in temperature and moisture. The homogenous surfaces, over which air masses form, are called the source regions. The five major source regions are warm tropical and subtropical oceans, the subtropical hot deserts, relatively cold high latitude oceans, very cold snow covered continents in high latitudes and permanently ice covered continents in the Arctic and Antarctica.

QUESTION: 54

In which of the following condition, ocean or sea waters will have low salinity?

1. Region with heavy daily rainfall and high relative humidity.
2. In areas of inland drainage without links with the oceans.
3. Colder climate with little evaporation and adding of waters from rivers.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 3

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 2

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The variation of salinity in the various seas and oceans is affected by the following factors:
1. Rate of evaporation. The waters fringing the High Pressure Belt of the Trade Wind Deserts, between 20° and 30° N. and S, have high salinity because of the high rate of evaporation caused by high temperature and low humidity. The temperate oceans have lower salinity due to the lower temperature and a lower rate of evaporation.
2. The amount of fresh water added by precipitation, streams and icebergs. Salinity is lower than the average 35% in equatorial waters because of the heavy daily rainfall and high relative humidity. Oceans into which huge rivers like the Amazon, Congo, Ganges, Irrawaddy and Mekong drain, have much of their saltness diluted and have a lower salinity. The Baltic, Arctic and Antarctic waters have a salinity of less than 35% because of the colder climate with little evaporation and because much fresh water is added from the melting of icebergs, as well as by several large poleward-bound rivers, e.g. Ob, Lena, Yenisey, and Mackenzie.
3. The degree of water mixing by currents. In wholly or partially enclosed seas such as the Caspian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea and Persian Gulf, the waters do not mix freely with the ocean water and they are not penetrated by ocean currents. Salinity is high, often over 37%. In areas of inland drainage without links with the oceans, continuous evaporation under an almost cloudless sky causes the accumulation of salts around the shores. In the open oceans where currents freely flow, salinity tends to be near the average 35% or even a little lower. The range of salinity is negligible where there is free mixing of water by surface and sub-surface currents.

QUESTION: 55

Regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is NOT true?

A.

Environment impact assessment (EIA) is a tool to assess potential threat of project on environment.

3. Sedimentary rocks contain layers or strata, therefore often known as stratified rocks.

4. Shale, Marble, Quartzite are some common metamorphic rock types.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A.

1, 2 and 3 only

B.

1, 3 and 4 only

C.

1 and 3 only

D.

1 and 4 only

Solution:

Igneous rocks are parent rocks and also known as primary rocks.
Acidic igneous have more silica e.g Granite, whereas Basic igneous rocks have lower quantity of silica , e.g. Gabbro.
Sedimentary rocks contain layers or strata, therefore often known as stratified rocks.
Shale is not a metamorphic rock, its mechanically formed sedimentary rock. Marble, Quartzite, Slate, Schist, Gneiss are some common metamorphic rock types.
Hence, both statements 1 and 3 are correct.

QUESTION: 57

Which of the following cannot be considered as a reason for the formation of continental shelves?

A.

Through delta formation

B.

Through sedimentation and consequent subsidence

C.

Due to faulting and consequent submergence

D.

None of the above

Solution:

The continental shelves off the Ganga, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Cauvery mouths have been formed through delta formation. The continental shelves from Midinapur to Madura are the result of sedimentation and consequent subsidence. The continental shelves off western coast are due to faulting and consequent submergence.

QUESTION: 58

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the Coriolis force?

1. Due to Coriolis force, winds are deflected in right side in the northern hemisphere.
2. Wind deflection due to Coriolis force is maximum at the equator.
3. Due to Coriolis force, wind speed increases near the equator.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 only

B.

1 and 2

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Wind deflection due to Coriolis force is maximum at the pole. Coriolis force does not affect the speed of the wind.

QUESTION: 59

Consider the following statements regarding Aurora.

1. It is a sudden blinding which makes the horizon vanish with no difference between the white land and the dull sky.
2. It is caused by magnetic storms in the upper atmosphere.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

Only 1

B.

Only 2

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Aurora are the curtains of brilliant coloured lights which appear on the dark nights. Where as sudden blinding which makes horizon vanish with no difference between white land and dull sky is known as white-out.

QUESTION: 60

Consider the following statements regarding a coastline of the world :

1. These coasts are mostly confined to the higher latitudes of the temperate region.
2. These are submerged U-shaped glacial troughs.
3. They have steep walls, often rising straight from the sea.

Identify the coast.

A.

Ria coast

B.

Fiord coast

C.

Dalmatian coast

D.

Estuarine coast

Solution:

Fiord coasts. Fiords are submerged U-shaped glacial troughs. They mark the paths of glaciers that plunged down from the highlands. They have steep walls, often rising straight from the sea, with tributary branches joining the main inlet at right angles. Due to the greater intensity of ice erosion fiords are deep for great distances inland but there is a shallow section at the seaward end formed by a ridge of rock and called the threshold. Off the fiord coast are numerous islands or skerries which, with the shallow thresholds, sometimes only 200 feet deep, complicate coastal navigation. Fiord coasts are almost entirely confined to the higher latitudes of the temperature regions which were once glaciated.

QUESTION: 61

Consider the following statements regarding seismic zones of India :

1. The Bureau of Indian Standards is the body which has grouped India into four seismic zones.
2. These seismic zones are Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4.
3. Zone 2 covers the maximum area, approx 43% of the total country.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 2

B.

1 and 3

C.

3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

The seismic zones are numbered as Zones- 2, 3, 4 and 5.

QUESTION: 62

Consider the following statements with regard to sedimentary rocks.

1. Sedimentary rocks are formed at earth’s surface by the hydrological system.
2. The formation of sedimentary rocks involves the weathering of pre-existing rocks.
3. Sedimentary rocks contain fossils and typically occurs as layers in a crystalline form.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A.

1 and 2

B.

1 and 3

C.

2 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Sedimentary rocks do not occur in crystalline form and often contain fossils. They may be coarse or fine grained, soft or hard.

QUESTION: 63

Salinity is lower in the Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea. Which of the following statements is/are correct
about this ?

1. Net precipitation in the Bay of Bengal is higher than in the Arabian Sea.
2. Rate of evaporation is higher in the Arabian Sea than the Bay of Bengal.
3. Circulation of water mass from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea and vice-versa.
4. The Bay of Bengal receives more fresh water from rivers than the Arabian Sea.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

2 and 4 only

B.

1, 2 and 4 only

C.

4 only

D.

1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution:

1. Higher precipitation in the Bay of Bengal than in the Arabian Sea.
2. The Arabian Sea records higher salinity than the Bay of Bengal because there is higher rate of evaporation due to relatively less humid conditions and low influx of freshwater compared to the Bay of Bengal.
3. Circulation of water mass from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea and vice-versa helps in maintaining salinity, not an enhancing factor.
4. The Bay of Bengal receives more fresh water from rivers than the Arabian Sea.

QUESTION: 64

Different soils of India have different mineral content. Which of the following statement is/are correct regarding
the mineral content of Indian soils ?

1. The laterite soil contains the hydrated oxides of iron and aluminium.
2. Both red and laterite soils are poor in nitrogen but rich in potash.
3. The granite and gneisses rocks give rise to red soil through the process of weathering.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

1 and 3 only

D.

All of the above

Solution:

Red and laterite soils are not rich in potash.

QUESTION: 65

Consider the following statements about the sunspots that impact the climate of the earth.

1. An increase in sunspots means that there will be an increase in the temperature of earth.
2. An increase in sunspot activity influences the satellite communication system of earth.
3. Sunspots occur in a cyclic manner.
4. Sunspots are dark patches on the sun’s surface due to lesser nuclear fusion on a particular spot in
comparison to nearby surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A.

1 and 3 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

1, 2 and 4 only

D.

2, 3 and 4 only

Solution:

Sunspots are dark & cooler patches on the sun’s surface. It is because of concentration of magnetic field that inhibits convection & result in reduced surface temperature when compared to surroundings. Hence, if they increase there is a slight decline in incoming insolation & earth becomes slightly cooler. Since, they are a magnetic phenomenon they impact the electromagnetic waves used in the communication. They increase and decrease in a cycle of about 11 years.
Hence, only statements 2 & 3 are correct.

QUESTION: 66

Common feature of a terrestrial planet includes :

1. Presence of thin, rocky crust.
2. Presence of thin atmosphere.
3. Presence of a ring system around them.
4. Presence of large number of natural satellites.

Choose the correct answer using codes given below.

A.

1 and 2

B.

2 and 3

C.

1 and 3

D.

1, 2 and 4

Solution:

Terrestrial planets lack a ring system and have very few natural satellites or no satellites.
E.g. only Earth and Mars have one and two satellites respectively among all the 4 terrestrial planets (namely Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars)

QUESTION: 67

Consider the following statements regarding the Drainage Pattern :

1. The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as 'dendritic'.
2. The example of dendritic pattern are the rivers of northern plain.
3. When the primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right
angles, the pattern is known as 'trellis'.
4. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range is an example of trellis pattern.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A.

1, 2, 3

B.

2, 3, 4

C.

1, 3, 4

D.

1, 2, 3, 4

Solution:

(i) The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as “dendritic” the examples of which are the rivers of northern plain.
(ii) When the rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions, the drainage pattern is known as ‘radial’. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of it.
(iii) When the primary tributaries of rivers flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles, the pattern is known as ‘trellis’.
(iv) When the rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is know as ‘centripetal’.

QUESTION: 68

Basic cause of Mediterranean type of climate is :

A.

Trade winds

B.

The shifting of the wind belts

C.

Convectional rainfall in winters

D.

None of the above

Solution:

Mediterranean climate is mainly characterized by winter rain. It is due to shifting of wind belts with movement of the sun in summers, when the sun is overheated at the Tropic of Cancer, the belt of influence of the Westerlies is shifted a little polewards. Rain bearing winds are therefore not likely to reach the Mediterranean lands. The prevailing trade winds are off-shore and there is practically no rain. The air is dry, the heat is intense and the relative humidity is low. In winters, westerlies shift equatorwards. In winters, on-short westerlies bring much cyclonic rain from the ocean.

QUESTION: 69

Periodic phenomenon of alternate rise and fall in the sea levels is known as tides. Which statements regarding
tide is NOT correct?

A.

Moon exerts the strongest influence on tides because of its closeness to earth.

B.

On the full moon and the new moon tides are highest.

C.

Tides help in formation of deltas.

D.

Tidal force may also be used as a source of generating electricity.

Solution:

Tides clear away the sediments brought by rivers, it helps in cleaning the coastal regions.

QUESTION: 70

Consider the following statements about cloud bursts :

1. In a cloud burst, the whole water of cloud comes down suddenly.
2. A cloudburst will lead to flash floods.
3. The rainfall of more than 100cm per hour is classified as cloudburst.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

A.

2 only

B.

1 and 2 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

All of the above

Solution:

How can whole water come down suddenly? Statement 1 is vague. A cloudburst is an extreme amount of precipitation, sometimes with hail and thunder, which normally lasts no longer than a few minutes but is capable of creating flood conditions. Colloquially, the term cloudburst may be used to describe any sudden heavy, brief, and usually unforecastable rainfall. The rainfall of more than 100 mm per hour is classified as cloudburst and not 100 cm.

QUESTION: 71

Consider the following statements given below :

1. The rubber tree was first found in the amazon forest of Brazil, but now the production of it is negligible in this area.
2. Coffee is introduced in Brazil by Portuguese and now Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of coffee in
the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

1 and 2 both

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Brazil is the homeland of the rubber. The rubber tree was first found growing in the forest of amazon. From here it was taken to the countries of Africa and Asia. But today its production is negligible Coffee was introduced in Brazil by the Portuguese more than 100 years ago. Today, Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of the coffee.

QUESTION: 72

Consider the following statements:

1. Atoll reefs are found in Andaman and Nicobar.
2. The coral best develops on the seaward side of the reef.
3. Gulf of Mannar coral reef area in Tamil nadu has been included in the world list of biosphere reserve by
UNESCO.

Which statement is/are not correct?

A.

1 and 2

B.

1 and 3

C.

Only 1

D.

All

Solution:

Important off shore island groups of India with extensive reef growth include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep group of Islands in the Arabian sea. The Andaman and Nicobar islands have fringing reefs and a 320 km long barrier reef on the west coast. The Lakshadweep Islands are made up of atolls.

QUESTION: 73

Consider the following statements about cyclones in India?

1. Mostly, the cyclones are tropical but sometimes they are temperate too.
2. The naming of cyclones in Indian ocean is done by World Meterological Organization.
3. For the Indian ocean region, countries contribute few names which are assigned sequentially whenever a
cyclone develops.

Which of the following statements are true?

A.

1 and 3 only

B.

1 and 2 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

All of the above

Solution:

All the cyclones in India are tropical cyclones.
The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones at its twenty-seventh Session held in 2000 in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman agreed in principal to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. After long deliberations among the member countries, the naming of the tropical cyclones over north Indian Ocean commenced from September 2004.

QUESTION: 74

Consider the following statements about Joint Forest Management?

1. It is a partnership between forest department and local communities for the protection of forests.
2. Its mechanism and details of procedure are mentioned in the national forest policy 1988.
3. Villagers receive non-timber forest products and a share of the revenue from the sale of timber products for
helping the forest department.

Which of the following statements are true?

A.

1 and 3 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

1 and 2 only

D.

All of the above

Solution:

JFM is based on principle of community participation in the management of forests.

QUESTION: 75

The term ‘Equinox’ refers to -

1. The period when Sun is perpendicular to the equator.
2. The period when Sun is vertically overhead at the equator.
3. The period when Sun is vertically overhead at the tropics.
4. The period when all parts of the globe experience equal days and nights.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A.

1 and 4 only

B.

2 and 4 only

C.

1, 2 and 4 only

D.

1, 3 and 4 only

Solution:

The equinox is experienced on two days each year (usually 21st March and 21st September) when the Sun is vertically overhead at the equator.

QUESTION: 76

Conduction, Convection, and Advection are means of transferring heat energy in a system. Consider the given
statements:

1. Conduction is the molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy as it diffuses through a substance.
2. Convection takes place when the physical mixing involves a strong horizontal motion.
3. Convective motions are possible only in liquids and gases.
4. When vertical motion dominates, the term advection applies.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A.

1 and 3 only

B.

2 and 4 only

C.

1, 2 and 4 only

D.

1, 2, 3 and 4

Solution:

Conduction is the molecule-to-molecule transfer of heat energy as it diffuses through a substance.
Convection takes place when the physical mixing involves a strong vertical motion. It is possible in only in liquids and gases.
When horizontal motion dominates, the term advection applies.
Hence only first and third statements are correct.

QUESTION: 77

Which of the following statements is/are correct with respect to coniferous forests?

1. Like the Equatorial rain forests these are also very luxuriant and contain trees of various heights.

2. The four major species in the coniferous forests are pine, fir, spruce and larch.

Unlike, the equatorial forests which are luxuriant and contain trees of various heights, coniferous forests are more uniform and grow straight and tall. Almost all conifers are evergreen. these are conical in shape. To check excessive transpiration, the leaves are small, thick, leathery and needle shaped.
There are four major species in the coniferous forests e.g pine, fir, spruce and larch.

Regions with monsoon climates receive rain in summers due to differential heating of the land and sea. In winters, wind blow away from land and thus, no rainfall during winter. The savanna type of climate is characterized by an alternate hot, rainy season and cool, dry season. The annual rainfall is almost entirely concentrated in the summer. The prevailing winds of the region are the trade winds, which bring rain to the coastal districts. In the steppe climatic regions, winter rain is due to the depressions carried by westerlies and in summers due to convectional sources when continental interiors are intensely heated up. Mediterranean climate is mainly characterized by winter rain. It is due to shifting of wind belts with movement of the Sun. In winters, on-short westerlies bring much cyclonic rain from the ocean.

QUESTION: 79

Which of the following reasons are responsible for desert type of climate of Sahara?

1. Presence of anticyclonic conditions
2. The winds are easterlies, i.e., from land to sea
3. Presence of warm currents

Which of the above flow in the North-eastern states?

A.

1 only

B.

1 and 2 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Due to anticyclonic conditions, winds are not able to rise which is necessary for rainfall.
The winds here also blow from land and hence they are devoid of any moisture necessary for rainfall.
Statement 3 is wrong. There is presence of cold current which causes desiccating effect which further reduces the possibility of rainfall.

QUESTION: 80

Consider the following statements about the Pamir Mountains :

1. Also known as the "Roof of the World"
2. They are covered with snow throughout the year.
3. They are home to largest non-polar glacier in the world, the Fedchenko Glacier.

Which of the above mentioned statement/s is/are incorrect?

A.

2 only

B.

3 Only

C.

1 and 3

D.

None

Solution:

All the statements are correct

QUESTION: 81

The following statements attempt to describe climate.

1. It is an equable climate with moderately warm summers and fairly mild winters.
2. All the seasons of this climate are very distinct.
3. The natural vegetation of this climatic type is deciduous forests.
4. It is very favourable for maximum human output.

Choose the correct option.

A.

warm temperate eastern margin climate.

B.

cool temperate western margin climate

C.

cool temperate eastern margin climate

D.

warm temperate western margin.

Solution:

The cool temperate western margin climate is also known as British type of climate. It is under the permanent influence of the westerlies all round. These are the regions of much cyclonic activities. The climate is equable with moderately warm summers and mild winters. The natural vegetation is deciduous forests, they shed their leaves in the cold season.
Market gardening, mixed farming, sheep rearing and some other agricultural activities are practiced here for economic development. This climate is highly favorable for maximum human output.

QUESTION: 82

Consider the following statements regarding Sargasso sea :

1. Sargasso sea is situated in North Atlantic Ocean.
2. Sargasso sea is situated in South Atlantic Ocean.
3. It has no perceptible current.
4. A large amount of floating sea weed is found in this area.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A.

2, 3

B.

1, 3

C.

2, 3, 4

D.

1, 3, 4

Solution:

Sargasso sea is a region in North Atlantic Sea found between North Equatorial Current, Canaries current and Cayenne current and Gulf Stream.

QUESTION: 83

Which of the following is/are the features of Basic lava?

1. They form shield volcano.
2. They are highly fluid.
3. They are rich in silica.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 only

B.

1 and 2

C.

2 and 3

D.

2 Only

Solution:

Basic lavas are the hottest lavas and are highly fluid. They are rich in iron and magnesium but poor in silica. They spread out as thin sheet over great distances resulting in shield or dome.

QUESTION: 84

Consider the following statements :

1. Earth’s North magnetic pole is moving in Northward direction.
2. Earth’s South magnetic pole is moving in Northward direction.

Which of the above statement is/are correct?

A.

Only 1

B.

Only 2

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

None of the above

Solution:

Both the magnetic poles are moving northward.
The magnetic AXIS is not a straight line.

QUESTION: 85

Which of the statements given below about the albedo of earth is/are correct?

1. Albedo is maximum in the tropics & minimum in the subtropical regions.
2. Albedo of a surface is always less than the insolation received by that surface.
3. A decline of one percent of earth’s albedo is equivalent to the warming impact due to doubling of carbon
dioxide.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

In tropics albedo is maximum because of clouds, while near the poles because of increase in snow cover, hence the minimum is in subtropical region.
Albedo is the percent of incoming radiation that is directly reflected. Hence, always less than insolation.
Hence, all statements are correct.

QUESTION: 86

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. A meteoroid is debris of asteroid or planetoid that enters the earth’s atmosphere.
2. A meteorite is the flash of light seen from the earth when the debris burns up due to friction with atmosphere.
3. A Meteor is a larger fragment of rock that completes the journey to the Earth's surface without being
destroyed.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 only

B.

1 and 3 only

C.

1, 2 and 3

D.

None of the above

Solution:

The first statement is correct. A meteoris the flash of light seen from the earth when the debris burns up due to friction with atmosphere. A Meteorite is a larger fragment of rock that completes the journey to the Earth's surface without being destroyed.

QUESTION: 87

Which of the following statement(s) about tornado is/are correct?

1. It is a spiraling wind descends down with a great force.

2. It has very high pressure at the centre.

3. They are connected with cumulonimbus clouds.

Select correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 Only

B.

1 and 3 Only

C.

2 and 3 Only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

Thunderstroms and tornadoes are local storms and are the manifestation of the atmosphere’s adjustments to varying energy distribution. They are of short duration, occurring over a small area but are violent. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. From severe thunderstorms sometimes spiraling winds reaches to earth like an elephant trunk with a very low pressure at the centre, causing massive destruction on its way. Tornadoes generally occur in middle latitudes. The tornado over the sea is called water sprouts.

QUESTION: 88

A gorge is a deep valley with very steep to straight sides. Which among the following features distinguishes a
canyon from a gorge.

1. Canyons are wider at its top than its bottom.
2. Canyons have uniform width from top to bottom.
3. Canyons have steep step like side slopes.
4. Canyons form in horizontal bedded sedimentary rocks.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1, 2 and 3

B.

2, 3 and 4

C.

1, 3 and 4

D.

1, 2 and 4

Solution:

A gorge is a deep valley with very steep to straight sides and a canyon is characterised by steep step like side slopes and may be as deep as a gorge.
A canyon is a variant of gorge.
Canyons commonly form in horizontal bedded sedimentary rocks and gorges form in hard rocks.

QUESTION: 89

Consider the following statements :

1. It is a tropical plant.
2. It is a Kharif crop.
3. It grows well on well-drained fertile soils in the flood plains where soils are renewed every year.
4. High temperature is required during the time of growth.

Which of the given crop requires the above conditions for its growth?

A.

Sugarcane

B.

Cotton

C.

Jute

D.

Oilseeds

Solution:

It is known as the golden fibre. Jute grows well on well-drained fertile soils in the flood plains where soils are renewed every year. High temperature is required during the time of growth. West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa and Meghalaya are the major jute producing states. It is used in making gunny bags, mats, ropes, yarn, carpets and other artefacts. Due to its high cost, it is losing market to synthetic fibres and packing materials, particularly the nylon.
Kharif crops are grown with the onset of monsoon in different parts of the country and
These are harvested in September-October. Important crops grown during this season are Paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), moong, urad, cotton, jute, groundnut and soyabean.

QUESTION: 90

Which of the following statements is/are true about Water?

1. 2000-5000 liters of water is needed to produce one person's daily food.
2. Water is primary medium through which the climate change impacts the earth's ecosystem.
3. Fresh water is 2.5% of total water on earth.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 and 2 only

B.

2 and 3 only

C.

1 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 3

Solution:

1. 2000-5000 liters of water is needed to produce one person's daily food.
2. Water is primary medium through which the climate change impacts the earth's ecosystem.
3. Fresh water is 2.5% of total water on earth.

QUESTION: 91

Which of the following statements regarding atmosphere are correct?

1. Almost all of the weather phenomena occur in the Troposphere.
2. Homosphere extends up to Stratopause.
3. Stratosphere contains the protective layer of Ozone.
4. Exosphere has two layers - ionosphere and thermosphere.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1, 2 and 3

B.

1 and 3 only

C.

2 and 3 only

D.

1, 2 and 4

Solution:

Statement 1 and 3 are correct.
Homosphere extends up to the Mesopause.
Thermosphere is divided into two layers viz. (i) ionosphere, and (ii) exosphere

QUESTION: 92

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. 49th parallel represents boundary between USA and Canada.
2. Oder Neisse line represents boundary between Germany and France.
3. 38th parallel represented boundary between North and South Vietnam before they were united.
4. 17th parallel represents boundary between North and South Korea

A.

1, 2, 3, 4

B.

1, 3, 4

C.

2 only

D.

1 only

Solution:

QUESTION: 93

Arrange the given layers of the earth according to their density in ascending order :

1. The pebble deposited in a narrow belt lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks is called as Bhangar.
2. The belt of older alluvium deposits is called as Bhabar.

Which of the given statement(s) is/are true?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

Both statements are incorrect. The belt explained in first is called as bhabar and in second is called as bhangar. Question interchanged the definitions.

QUESTION: 95

Which among the following statement(s) is/are not correct about the Glacial plateau?

1. A plateau formed by the glaciers.
2. A plateau modified by glacial actions.
3. Its a plateau formed at the foothill zone of extensive mountains.
4. Garhwal plateau of India is an example of glacial plateau.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 and 3

B.

2 and 3

C.

2 and 4

D.

1 and 4

Solution:

A glacial plateau does not mean formed by the glaciers, rather its a plateau modified and transformed by glacial actions. Plateaus formed at the foothill zone of extensive mountains is called Piedmont plateau. Fourth statement is correct.

QUESTION: 96

In the context of Mediterranean climate, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is found only along the western coast of the continents.
2. It is most suited for livestock farming.
3. The get maximum rainfall during summers due to high convection.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

A.

1 only

B.

1, and 2 only

C.

1, and 3 only

D.

1, 2, and 3

Solution:

Only statement 1 is correct. It is not suited for livestock farming because the grasses are not nutrition in these regions. They get maximum rainfall during winters instead of summers.

QUESTION: 97

With reference to landforms of arid region, which of the following is NOT a correct statement?

A.

Wind is the most effective agent of erosion, transportation and deposition in arid region.

B.

Mechanical weathering is more visible in the arid region in comparison to chemical weathering.

C.

Zeugen and Yardangs are erosional landforms in desert region.

D.

Playa lake has low percentage of salt.

Solution:

Playa lakes (also called dry lakes) are formed by streams that flow into lower depression. They contain high percentage of salts because of high evaporation and are glistening white on drying up.

QUESTION: 98

With reference to physical geography of Africa, consider the following statements :

1. Except few, rivers in Africa are not suitable for shipping.
2. There are several large lakes in the northern highland of the Africa because of presence of the Great Rift
Valley.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Solution:

With the exception of the Nile and the Zaire, few African rivers can be used for shipping. This is because the rivers drop from the higher plateaus to the coastal lowlands making waterfalls. So because of these frequent waterfalls shipping is impossible in the Africa. One of the special physical features of Africa is its Great Rift Valley. A rift valley is a long and deep valley formed due to cracks or rifts in the land. In Africa there is a long chain of such rift valleys. Many of these valleys are filled with water called as lakes. Therefore, there are several large lakes in the highland region of the North Africa.

QUESTION: 99

A particular lake has the following characteristics:

1. It is the deepest lake in the world.
2. It is located in a rift valley and is also a World Heritage site.
3. It is located in East Siberia and is drained by Yenisei-Angara.

Which of the following lakes has above characteristics?

A.

Lake Baikal

B.

Lake Yessey

C.

Lake Seliger

D.

Lake Onega

Solution:

Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world with a maximum depth of 1,632m . It is also the world's largest volume of fresh water 23,000 cubic km. More than 300 streams and rivers flow into Lake Baikal, but there is just one outlet, the Angara.

QUESTION: 100

Which statement about biodiversity is/are NOT correct?

1. Concept of biodiversity hotspot was given by Norman Myers.
2. Most of these hotspots are located in the temperate zone.
3. To qualify as biodiversity hot spot a region must contains 1,500 species of vascular plants as endemics.
4. Biodiversity hotspot area lost at least 70% of its primary vegetation.